Cheap and DIY way to re-roof garage felt or something else?

[grovepark]

Our garage roof has been leaking for some time now, the previous owner had let the garden grow out of control and it had formed its own green roof on the garage roof.

I am a reasonably competent DIYer so will tackle new joists and boarding myself.

I know felt would be the usual replacement, but im wondering about maybe getting something else, so hopefully it will last a bit longer and be a bit more hard wearing (as we are looking to use it for storage and OH wants some plant pots on there etc). I have looked at alternatives but do they need specialist installation, will that cost more than felt installation?

 

[noseall]

the previous owner had let the garden grow out of control and it had formed its own green roof on the garage roof.

Jeepers, that must be one out of control garden to affect a roof!

 

[Alastairreid]

I have looked at alternatives but do they need specialist installation, will that cost more than felt installation?

Depends on the alternatives and your diy skills.

 

[^woody^]

EPDM

 

[grovepark]

I have looked at alternatives but do they need specialist installation, will that cost more than felt installation?

Depends on the alternatives and your diy skills.

I have been looking at rubber membrane and glass fibre. My DIY skills could stretch to the felt but TBH I would probably get someone in to make sure it looked nice rather than just ok.

 

[RoofingPro]

Hi,
I would definately recommend EPDM, i have found the Firestone covering is very effective as it has a life expectancy of 50 years. It comes cut to size in one piece and is installed using a water based adhesive direct to timber. I have used a company called Permaroof UK for my dormer they delivered next day and the roof came complete with instructions. Very easy

 

[grovepark]

Oh that sounds perfect, do you have a link to the place you got it from?

Sorry if this sounds like an odd question, if its pre-shaped how does the weathering of the corners work?

 

[RoofingPro]

Hi, The company website is www.permaroof.co.uk They have a DVD you can view and plenty of information on the Firestone System. They cut the sheets down from large rolls and they supply an edge trim that finishes the roof so dont worry about the cuts . I normally send a diagram in to a guy called scott and he will work out all the materials i need, better than ordering the wrong stuff.

 

[grovepark]

Ta looking at the website that looks exactly the sort of think we need, and idiot proof instructions (also good). Looking at approx cost it looks like the membrane will cost around £250 so good value too if I can install it and it will last 50 years!

 

[RoofingPro]

definatly a good product, i would advise getting a quote and ask for a trade price i think i paid around £6m2 for the rubber sheet. then they worked the glue and trims out for me. The last thing you want is to run out of glue

 

[grovepark]

Cool, when I have some cash and have cleared the garage out I will definitely be ordering.

 

[Roofmaster417]

This may sound a little silly but with no pics and all the replies being from the UK(no disrespect intended) Are there not pitch roofs?

 

[RedHerring2]

This may sound a little silly but with no pics and all the replies being from the UK(no disrespect intended) Are there not pitch roofs?

Pitch? No, we don't use pitch over here, it's too imflammable and messy.
Apart from that, how would we walk on the roof to clear the snow off?

 

[Roofmaster417]

As you are well aware of roofer tales are a dime a dozen and always thrown out for free too.But I have been known to shovel a roof not exceeding 7/12 of snow so we could work. The max I have cleared was 43sq. and it was a 5/12 and had about 8" of snow. It was the only house in the whole area (obviously) with no snow on the roof..It was quite comical.This roof is my pride and joy and it was finished after

Before

• Roofmaster417
• 9 Jan 2011
• 1

63sq Woodshakes<br>Redeck

After

• Roofmaster417
• 9 Jan 2011
• 1

63 sq Comp<br>Certainteed GrandManor Super Shangle 100yr.<br>Gate House slate w/premium...

a massive ice storm.,alot of my equipment was smashed and destroyed by trees,but luckily the roof was sparred.

 

[grovepark]

I have now began the task of clearing out the garage, there is always more junk than you think there is. Thank god for freecycle!

I have been having other thoughts though, I was wondering about making a warm roof when I re-roof the garage. For two reasons;

1. I am into cars and are likely to spend a reasonable amount of time in there, I am getting 2nd hand UPVC windows and door to keep it a bit warm/cool if out there for a while. Im also looking at getting a new garage door. Not to bothered about the walls as due to the garden slope quite a lot of it is underground.

2. If we move we could convert it before we left to give the house a home office (obv with the planning/building permissions). As there is loads of parking at the house already.

Obv this will increase the cost of the work, do you think its worth it?